South Africa have named an 18-member preliminary squad for the first Test of the upcoming three-match series against Australia, with Kagiso Rabada being named in the squad. The premier pacer Rabada has been on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring injury that has also kept him out of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia. 

Rabada had picked up the injury during a training camp, and his fitness will be assessed ahead of the first Test, which will get underway on October 9. The robust squad also includes Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson. 

"Having a larger bowling group gives us the flexibility to cover all bases. We have different options across the squad and the next week will give us an opportunity to determine which combinations are best suited to the conditions," South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad said in a statement. 

"We also want to give Kagiso every chance of being available for selection for the first Test, and the two-day game will give us a clearer picture of where he is in terms of his match readiness."

South Africa have also included uncapped batter Marques Ackerman, who has been remarkably impressive for South Africa A, bringing up more than 1000 runs. 

"It’s great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA ‘A’ side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity. We’re looking forward to having him in the Test environment,” Conrad said. 

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne